Regarding Consolation

Based on Isaiah 61:1-62:12, Psalm 115:9-13, and Ephesians 6:1-24.

GOD on high, we know You hear our prayers, and we thank You for the consolations of Christ which proclaim Your liberty to the captives; Your freedom to prisoners held captive; Your good tidings to the poor; Your healing to the brokenhearted. Thank You for consoling those all who mourn, giving beauty for ashes and Your oil of joy after the mourning. May we be called trees of righteousness -- Your plantings, O GOD, that we may glorify Christ before You this day, and after life, forever and ever.

We greatly rejoice to know have souls that are joyful, for You have clothed us with Your garment of salvation, and You have covered us with the robe of righteousness! We are called by a new name which by which You call us: "MINE."  And we live in You, as precious jewels, radiant, living stones in You like a crown of glory, like a royal diadem. No longer are we Forsaken or Desolate! We are married to You and cherished as a bride by her bridegroom. You rejoice over us, and we are grateful, and everlasting joy shall be ours!

Therefore we will make mention of You, LORD; we will go through the gates that You open before us, taking out the stones and lifting high Your banner. And we shall be called the Holy People, the Redeemed of the Lord, and we shall be called Sought Out, A City Not Forsaken.

Thank You for being always mindful of us, our GOD  Most High, and empowering us to trust in You Who alone is our help and our shield. You bless those who love You in sincerity of heart, not with eye service as men-pleasers, but as servants doing Your will, as ambassadors standing in YOur truth, surrendered to Your Power and not our own by the Spirit who speaks through us as boldly as we ought to speak. O GOD MOST HIGH, comfort our hearts! Impart Your peace to the brethren -- to all who sincerely love You and live to glorify Your Son, our SAVIOR and LORD, before You now -- and then, forever. Amen.

This gorgeous painting, entitled Living Stones, is by Claudia Wood Rahm. To me, this painting is a foretaste of heaven, of Life in one accord, in one, a CHORD -- a glorious and radiant of praise and thanksgiving that will last forever.